20° and Overcast
Image
Shelter For Domestic Violence Victims Will Soon Allow Pets
On Monday afternoon, Alexandra House broke ground on a new project which gives a safe refuge for survivors of domestic violence and their pets.
"Linus' Pet Haven is about expanding hope,” Connie Moore, executive director for Alexandra House said. “It's about ensuring that no survivor has to make the impossible choice between their safety and the safety of their pets. This haven will provide a safe refuge where survivors and their pets can escape abuse together and begin their journey toward healing without the trauma of separation."
Candice Amundson was former program participant who became an advocate for Alexandra House to become a pet-safe shelter, and honor of her beloved dog, Linus.
"I want to thank everyone who's been part of making this vision and my dream a reality,” Amundson said. “To all the dedicated staff and the volunteers who believed in the mission, the donors, the supporters, the future supporters, and every single person that understood that pets are not just animals, they're family."
Site plans show a pet enrichment area will be built where participants can bring their pets to play. According to Tina Bronson, the Director of Mission Advancement, the scope of the project includes the renovation of three rooms in the shelter.
"So there are three bedrooms being renovated that will include pet safe entry doors with vestibules and privacy kennels so that the pets don't see each other and it’s an extra, additional layer of safety," Bronson said.
Alexandra House will be the first shelter in the metro area to offer on-site, in-room sheltering of pets. Linus' Pet Haven plans to welcome its first pets in January of 2025.
SOURCE: CTN
